New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources
Link to: New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Groundwater Information
NGWMN Contact:
Ethan Mamer
(575) 835-5118
The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources (NMBGMR) is a water-level data provider to the National Groundwater Monitoring Network (NGWMN). NMBGMR serves as New Mexico's geologic survey and is focused on resource research, information accuracy, and data dissemination. NMGMR currently maintains a network of 58 wells and serves data from 11 sites to the NGWMN Portal. NMGMR has been a part of the Network since 2017.
NMGMR provides water-level data from the Rio Grande and other aquifer systems.
NGWMN Projects:
Initial project to become a NGWMN data provider. This included establishing database connections, addressing network classification of wells, and implementing 11 new wells into the Network
Project focuses on persistent data service, evaluating several new sites and compiling the history of field data and data management.
Project to provide persistent data services and fill data gaps. Gap filling will include a borehole camera survey and well depth verification at 14 wells.
Project is to provide persistent data services for one year to ensure that data continues to flow to the NGWMN Data Portal, and that sites and site information are up to date.
This project is to provide persistent data services for two years to ensure that data continues to flow to the NGWMN Data Portal and that sites and site information are up to date. They will also upgrade web services to serve continuous water-level data and purchase water-level monitoring equipment for 21 wells.
Project is to provide persistent data services for one year to ensure that data continues to flow to the NGWMN Data Portal, and that sites and site information are up to date.
2023: 9/15/2023 to 9/14/2024
Project is to provide persistent data services for one year to ensure that data continues to flow to the NGWMN Data Portal, and conduct downhole camera surveys to fill data gaps in well information at 4 wells.
NGWMN Presentations:
2017 Presentation from NGWMN New Data Providers meeting
Site Selection and Classification
Site Selection
To select wells for inclusion in the NGWMN, the Bureau of Geology selected wells with at least five years of monitoring data, and would fit into the various subnetworks and monitoring categories. Once wells were selected, the well logs and water level trends were evaluated to ensure the wells being selected were representative of a regional aquifer, rather than perched or thin, confined zones.
In the first year, eleven wells were selected for inclusion into the NGWMN, additional wells have been selected to be included in the next two years. After initial well selection, the Bureau met with the USGS New Mexico Water Science Center to share information regarding wells each party would be including in the NGWMN. This was an effort to avoid overlap in wells being submitted to the NGWMN and to ensure spatial distribution throughout the State.
Site Classification
To determine which subnetwork and monitoring category each well would fit in to the hydrograph was examined for long term and seasonal trends. Groundwater and surface water availability and uses within the vicinity were also examined to establish potential influences on the site. Upon completion of well selection, well log evaluation and subnetwork and monitoring category selection the wells were entered manually into the NGWMN well registry.
Data Collection Techniques
The NMBGMR follows protocols outlined in the NGWMN Framework Document but on uncalibrated equipment. NMBGMR does not currently have the funding, facilities or supply of back-up equipment to calibrate our steel and electric tapes. NMBGMR procedures for measuring water levels are outlined below:
Prior to leaving for field work:
- Schedule well access with well owners
- Print out schedule, contact information and other well information as available. Gather gear and check that you know how to use each item:
- At least 2 steel tapes
- Electric probe
- Sonic Water level Meter + instruction manual
- Tools to access wells (large channel locks, socket, other wrenches)
- Work gloves
- GPS
- Camera
- Chalk for marking steel tape (large pieces)
- Extra batteries for E-probe
- Field notebook
- Extra writing utensils
- Clorox wipes - disinfecting tape between wells
- Ladder
- Rubber gloves
- Paper towels
Onsite at well:
- In notebook or other individual site data sheet, record basic well and owner information at first site visit:
- Address and directions to site
- Owner information, contact information, any special requests
- Well record or info: drilled date, construction material, diameter, total depth, screen intervals, well cap design
- GPS coordinate (in NAD83 UTM)
- Usage notes, pumping history, well status (active, unused, stock, etc)
- Photos - at least 2, one up close, one from distance
- Measuring point description and correction (above ground +, below ground -), drawing if needed
- Water level measurement
- Clean measurement tool over entire portion that will touch water
- Access well by removing cap, plug or otherwise. Note any special access needs.
- Wearing gloves, carefully move wiring out of way
- If well is equipped with pump, use chalked steel tape. Record hold and cut, repeat measurements until within +- 0.02 ft. Record all measurements with note of: good, poor, discarded, etc. Note any obstructions or difficulties. Note time for each measure.
- If open well with no pump, use E-probe. Access water surface repeatedly with probe to determine if water level is within +-0.02 ft, record depth to water (DTW). Note if water surface is moving up or down and status. Note time for each measure.
- Return pump wires, cap, access port, etc., to original position. Leave nothing behind.
Data Management
Field personnel maintain a notebook and complete other site-specific forms to record field measurements and observations. NMBGMR field staff perform a quality check of this documentation at the completion of data collection outings to verify completeness of information. A photocopy of field notebook pages and original data collection forms are given to the NMBGMR data manager, who reviews the data for outliers and other data concerns before entering the data into the AMP database. Calculations from notes and forms are double-checked for accuracy. Forms and field sheets are stored at the NMBGMR with the data manager for archive and future reference. Electronic copy of the data is housed in our AMP database on the SQL server and is backed up on a regular basis.